Monthly Archives: October 2014

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As if urging parents to use television or tablets with babies isn’t bad enough, AT&T has partnered with BabyFirst to introduce the first-ever “second screen” experience for infants and toddlers. The new BabyFirstTV U-verse app encourages babies to use an iPad while watching TV.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children under two. When there’s no evidence that even one screen benefits babies, marketing a second one is unconscionable.

Raspberry Pi, a tiny computer the size of a credit card, has captured the imaginations of students, educators and tinkerers around the world since it became available in 2012. Check out the NY Times breakdown here.

2. Endless Alphabet: “Kids will have a blast learning their ABC’s and building vocabulary with the adorable monsters in Endless Alphabet.”

3. Touch and Write: “developed by real classroom teachers, and recreates the fun and effective teaching strategy used in classrooms every day: learning letters by writing with shaving cream, jello, finger paint, and more!”

4. My Story: Book Maker for Kids: “Create and share ebooks and stories by adding drawings, photos, and stickers. Then record your voice on every page and share your story with friends, family and classmates.”

Blloon, an e-book subscription service aimed at kids, has launched in the U.K. The company offers new members free access for the first 1,000 pages read. New users can then gain additional access by recommending titles, sharing their choices online and inviting friends to join the service.

Tablettoddlers recommends Digital Media: New Learners of the 21st Century, a documentary exploring how exceptional instructors are increasingly using digital media and interactive practices to ignite their students’ curiosity and ingenuity, help them become civically engaged, allow them to collaborate with peers worldwide, and empower them to direct their own learning.

Scholastic Parent & Child magazine has released a new ad-supported mobile app called KidQ, which is designed as a conversation starter for parents and kids. The app poses a number of questions such as: Why is the sky blue? Why do we say “ears” of corn? How does your brain talk to your body. The app then gives answers with explanations which readers are encouraged to discuss.

Tablettoddlers is a big fan of Disney Infinity 1.0. Our kids have enjoyed hours upon hours of playing the game on the original Wii system. Recently, Disney announced Infinity 2.0, an updated version which includes Marvel superhero figures.

Unfortunately, Disney is not making the 2.0 version for the original Wii. So for us, it means shelling out $75 for the updated game, base, and starter pack, along with $299 for the WiiU system.

Something tells me Disney is in cahoots with the folks at Nintendo on this one as the latter tries to phase out the original Wii in favor of the WiiU, which by all accounts has been a dud (Microsoft Zune anyone?)